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Need help w/ B&W CM2

Looking for advice to help tame that harshness that comes with bright recordings, top hats, crashy cymbols, and pronounced 's' sounds in voice. My friend is using the B&W CM2s and NADc370. I know a large part of the problem is the metal dome tweeter, but he'd like to try some different amps before giving up on the B&W's (they look too damn good). Price range should be around $500 used (could probably go higher but lets start slow) and ultimate volume is not a big issue since they are only occationally played loud (the 370 was overkill). A remote control is preferred but not necessary. I was thinking tubes- Cary, Jolida? hybrid -Jolida 1501? SS- Rega, Linn, Musical Fidelity? I have no idea what is a good synergistic match w/ B&W. I've heard both arcam and rotel with B&W and noticed some harshness with those as well. Please help!!!
128x128perkadin
audiobugged
528 posts
 
Different speaker cables, & interconnects might also work.
ellery911
549 posts
 
I have the CDM 1nt's that I originally ran through an old NAD 7220PE receiver. I then switched to a Bryston B-60 that I loved, but as you say, there was a bit of harshness on some recordings...especially classic rock such as Hendrix or Zeppelin. However, for music like Madonna, NIN, Beastie Boys and other pop music, the high's were wonderful. I recently switched to an Electrocompaniet ECI-3 and now, Hendrix sounds wonderful...as does jazz & windham hill music (haven't put classical to the test yet) however, the zing from the "pop" music is less and I feel like there is a little something missing in the top end. It is supposedly a tubey sounding unit. The Cary integrated will be way above the $500 limit that you want to spend. The Bryston will run about 6-800 w/o remote 200 or so more with...and they do have an incredible warranty. the Electrocompaniet will run 1000-1200 (I thought the price differential here was worth it)...so probably out of the range. Two amps that were initially suggested to me were the Audio Analogue Puccini and the Audio Refinement Complete...and there looks like there are some for sale now...I've never heard them so I can't make any real comments, but one may work...if not...you won't lose much if anything on the resale...at the $500-$800 price range, there are alot of options that can be bought and sold. I would check out a few of these "musical" ss integrateds before going tubes, because if you get the urge to start "tube rolling", that inexpensive Jolida will all of the sudden become alot more than 500 bucks.

just my nickles worth.

Ellery
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
1. There are much better speakers in the price range than CM2. No matter what amplification you use or cables you can't can't can't make honey from ...
2. If you add a-bit to your budget you may go for a pair of Totem Mite or Totem Dreamcatcher.
perkadin's avatar
perkadin OP
281 posts
 
Audiobugged- I will definatly try the cable/interconnect route, but I want to change the amp first then fine tune. I'm looking for changes that a non-audiophile friend would notice right away.

Ellery911- Great suggestions, I've never even heard of Audio Analogue or Audio Refinement, I'll certainly look into those.

So far my list is as follows:

Audio Analogue Puccini
Audio Refinement Complete
Linn Majik
Jolida 1501RC

Pop, Jazz & classical are not big on the playlist, alot of Dylan and Dead, and some rock, both modern and classic mostly. Do any of these do well with poorly recorded material? Any experience, particularly with B&W speakers and these amps is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!!!
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